Alex Ruben
How To Increase Download Speeds on Nintendo Switch 2
Dealing with slow download speeds on the Nintendo Switch 2? Yeah, been there. Whether it’s a big game update or a new download, waiting forever isn’t fun. Sometimes, it’s just the network being flaky, or maybe the DNS settings are not optimized, leading to sluggish downloads. Luckily, tweaking a few things can make a noticeable difference. This isn’t about rocket science—just some practical steps to squeeze out better speeds and get you gaming faster. When these tweaks work, you might not see lightning-fast speeds, but definitely less waiting around. And if not, at least you’ll know what to try next.
How to Fix Slow Download Speeds on Nintendo Switch 2
Consider a Wired Connection for Better Stability
If speed is a real problem and you want reliable, consistent downloads, going wired is kinda the way to go. Wifi’s okay, but it can get crowded, especially if your router is not in the same room. Connect an Ethernet cable from your Switch to your router—yes, that tiny port on the dock can do wonders. To do this:
- Make sure your Nintendo Switch 2 is in Wired Connection. You can select this in Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.
- Once your cable is plugged in between your Switch dock and your router, it should automatically detect it. If not, select Wired Connection manually.
On some setups, this makes a huge difference in stability and download speeds, especially if your Wi-Fi signal was weak. Just remember, of course, you need an Ethernet cable and maybe an adapter if your Switch dock doesn’t have a built-in port. Not sure why Nintendo didn’t make wired connection easier, but hey, it works.
Adjust Your Wi-Fi Settings to Boost Speed
If a wired connection isn’t possible, don’t worry—tuning your Wi-Fi can still help. The key here is making sure your Switch isn’t struggling with a poor signal or bad DNS settings. To optimize:
- Head over to Settings > Internet > Internet Settings and select your Wi-Fi network.
- Click Change Settings and scroll to DNS Settings.
- Switch from Automatic to Manual.
This allows you to specify fast DNS servers. Here’s what often works well:
- Primary DNS:
1.1.1.1 - Secondary DNS:
1.0.0.1
Input these, then confirm and save. This really can help with faster domain name resolution—meaning your Switch finds servers quicker, speeding up downloads. Sometimes, on certain networks, this tweak alone can boost your speeds noticeably. On some setups, it takes a few tries to get the DNS settings to stick, so don’t get discouraged if it’s a little fiddly.
Flush Your Network Cache & Restart Your Router
This one’s kind of underrated but effective. Network caches sometimes get weird, causing slow or stuck downloads. Flushing the DNS cache of your router and the Switch can clear out the bad info. To do that:
- Power off your router, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- On your Switch, you might also want to restart it or toggle airplane mode briefly.
Sometimes, just rebooting the entire network stack can kickstart better download speeds. Not always guaranteed, but on certain networks, this simple step helps more than you’d think.
Check Network Traffic & Limit Other Devices
Bandwidth hogs are the enemy here. If other devices are streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time, your Switch’s download speed takes a hit. Drop some of those other activities or pause automatic updates on other devices. Check your router’s admin page (often at 192.168.1.1 or similar) and see what’s connected. Limit the number of active devices whenever possible. For those with very congested networks, upgrading your router or shifting your Switch closer to the router can also help.
Make Sure Your Firmware & Software Are Up-to-Date
It’s weird, but outdated firmware or outdated Switch system software can sometimes bottleneck internet functionality. Just head to System Settings > System > System Update. Keeping everything current can smooth out network issues and maybe bump speeds a little.
Extra Tips & Common Fixes
- Ensure your Switch is in a good Wi-Fi spot—away from microwaves or cordless phones that can mess with signals.
- Close background apps or downloads, because they chew up bandwidth.
- If possible, test your speed on another network—sometimes it’s the ISP or local congestion.
- Check your internet plan if speeds are consistently underwhelming; maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
Wrap-up
Fiddling with DNS, switching to wired, or just rebooting your router can all help push your Nintendo Switch 2 download speeds into a better range. Nothing revolutionary, but small tweaks often add up. If speeds are still disappointing, maybe consider upgrading your router or contacting your ISP. Often, default settings are not the best for gaming or large downloads, and a little customization goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my download speed slow on Nintendo Switch 2?
Typically, it’s a combo of weak Wi-Fi signal, network congestion, or default DNS settings that are not optimized. Sometimes, your internet connection isn’t fast enough either.
Is a wired connection really worth it?
Absolutely. Wired Ethernet offers more consistent and often faster speeds compared to Wi-Fi, especially if you’re in a crowded Wi-Fi neighborhood. On some setups, it’s night and day.
What’s so special about changing DNS?
Because DNS is how your device finds websites and servers, faster DNS providers like Cloudflare (learn more here) cut down on lookup times. That can translate into quicker downloads and smoother browsing.
Summary
- Try wired connection if possible
- Adjust DNS settings to Google DNS or Cloudflare
- Restart your router and Switch
- Limit other device bandwidth
- Check for system updates
Final words
Hopefully, these tweaks help some folks cut that download wait. It’s not always perfect, but these are simple enough to try without turning your home into a tech lab. Good luck, and may your downloads be swift!